Kaitlyn addresses online bullying in new Bachelorette blog

Like any reality TV star, Kaitlyn Bristowe has had to deal with her fair share of online hate during her time on The Bachelorette — and although it’s not fun, she says in her latest blog for Peoplethat she’s happy to have “a unique opportunity to bring more awareness to online bullying.”

“I made mistakes and went through tough times,” she wrote. “You don’t have to agree with it, but don’t tell me I should crawl in a hole and die.”

She went on to praise the guys who stood up for her in Mondy’s episode — and to give a shout-out to everyone who’s been there for her. “I am fortunate I have thick skin and can maybe use my experience to help others,” she wrote. “So to everyone who has supported me along this journey, even if you didn’t understand my choices, thank you.”

Read her full blog post over at People, and watch The Bachelorette when it airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.